Dortmund boss opens up on Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City transfers

THOMAS TUCHEL has opened up on Ilkay Gundogan, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Christian Pulisic.

Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both left Borussia Dortmund last summer

Tuchel managed Gundogan and Mkhitaryan at Borussia Dortmund before they both left last summer for Manchester City and Manchester United respectively.

Gundogan joined City for a fee of £21million, making 16 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side before suffering a knee injury last month.

Mkhitaryan moved to Manchester United for around £30m, starting slowly at Old Trafford before finding his feet with three goals in his last six games.

And Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel claims he is happy for both players, but revealed his disappointed at Gundogan’s exit.

GETTY

Ilkay Gundogan became a key player for Manchester City before his injury

"We sat there with my wife, we did not try to convince him otherwise because he made a very hard decision and he made his decision,” Tuchel said of Gundogan, 26.

“In the end, my wife said, 'You can't believe how sad my husband is. He will not show you right now, we wish you all the best.'

“And she was right, we wish him all the best. We're still in touch."

On Mkhitaryan, he added: “We're still in touch with Micky and when he scores like he scored [the scorpion kick goal against Sunderland], when he assists like he does, it's what he deserves after a difficult start at United.

GETTY

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has burst into life for Manchester United

"I was blessed to train these players [Gundogan and Mkhitaryan] and you have to let go. I can totally be happy for them."

Tuchel also discussed the future of his latest Dortmund star, 18-year-old midfielder Pulisic.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a move for the United States international, but Tuchel has big plans for him in the Bundesliga.

"I'm very happy with his development this season,” Tuchel told ESPN FC.

GETTY

Christian Pulisic has broken into the Borussia Dortmund team

“Of course, you can't predict these developments, and the way he behaves… he's a very important part of the team. [It's] outstanding because he could still play for the youth team.

"In our minds, he's a [regular] player for us and we treat him like a normal guy. Sometimes, you have to look at this piece of paper to believe how young he still is.

"It's outstanding because [he doesn't get] injured, he makes almost every training session, that's a huge advantage. He started in many important games. And he deserved it."

"[You've got] nothing to worry about, if you focus on yourself and stay calm and confident and work hard, there's no doubt that you can always start.”